The Earth, Thy Great Exchequer, Ready Lies: Winner of the BBC National Short Story Award

These stories explore how we should treat our world, work, selves, and others, seeking lasting value. Hilary Mantel is a major talent.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 07 April 2022
Publisher: Swift Press

A Major Talent


Hilary Mantel, a renowned author, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Edge Hill Short Story Prize. Her captivating stories delve into the depths of human desires, encompassing a quest for knowledge, wealth, and a better life. The characters in these narratives are bound by a shared pursuit of lasting value, challenging us to contemplate how we should treat our world, our work, ourselves, and each other.


One such character is a vainglorious mine owner, driven by an ambition to harness the entirety of nature to the machinery of commerce. In a pre-First World War Europe already grappling with the early signs of biodiversity loss, two ladies of a certain age embark on a captivating hunt for rare butterflies. Meanwhile, a climate campaigner faces a poignant dilemma, weighing personal happiness against the urgent call for political action.


Furthermore, a rural Welsh community is both fascinated and angered by glimpses of their invisible, wealthy neighbors. Jo Lloyd's debut collection, characterized by its exact and lyrical language, compassion, and abundant wit and truth, serves as a remarkable announcement of a fresh and distinctive voice in contemporary literature. With a sensibility all her own, Lloyd has crafted a collection that promises to leave a lasting impact on readers.

Weight: 204g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800750128